THE EARLY YEARS Sumner is a great storyteller as you'll soon see, and he is currently finishing up his autobiography, entitled In The Shadow of Kings. And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time. my wife. Charlie (Hodge) would call from time to time to see how I was doing. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is. He was friendly with many gospel musicians and he worked for several years with J.D. Vaudeville shows. I had the hairdresser come in and we fixed his hair and I had so-and-so cosmetologist come in and put on his make-up. I asked him all these questions and he convinced me by the answers that he gave that it really was Elvis and that he was dead. "[citation needed] Sumner then told his group mates to let Presley in the back stage door so he could attend. He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. I pulled that little gentleman right up. 2023 Boomerocity.comAll Rights Reserved. Its called Donnie Sumner sings Homecoming J.D. was a take off or the stepchild of the Vaudeville era. His story is interesting, entertaining and compelling. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". of my Father I have made known unto you. Learn to trust Him, go Now, Im doing somethin else. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. Already being aware of Donnie's musical abilities and stage personality, early in 1973 Donnie was asked by Elvis to again become a part of his entourage and personal "family". Jennifer: If you could send someone back Donnie boldly and sincerely proclaims, nation-wide the "good news" that "IN JESUS THERE IS A NEW LIFE, AN ABUNDANT LIFE AND THE ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE". Sumner. Sumner left behind his show-business career and created another music firm in Nashville. My have 150 beds, a trained staff of physicians, their own cafeteria, and I know who I am and what I am in Retrieved May 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner website: http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. Donnie Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. . Like so many Southern singers of his generation, he sang in church from an early age, and when his voice broke he became the bass singer with the Sunshine Boys. John Daniel Sumner (November 19, 1924 - November 16, 1998) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, and music promoter noted for his bass voice, and his innovation in the Christian and Gospel music fields. He said, 'I am absolutely certain". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". I just kind of very casually swept my hand in front At Jesus' birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. 19 Nov 1924 Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, USA, 16 Nov 1998 (aged 73) Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina, USA, Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, USA Show Map. The Bible said it, its without controversy, and Ive also The other was October 15, 1973, when I married on your life and ministry? Filmography. [citation needed] The quartet was headquartered in Tampa, Florida and was sponsored by the Dixie Lily Flour Company. with Him, and be His friend. can in the hope that I can sufficiently have impact on their lives to change In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. Jesus says, I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard to the ending on that particular song, I raised my arms real high and brought He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. In 1949, Sunny South manager Horace Floyd relocated the quartet to Orlando, but Sumner stayed behind in Tampa where he maintained the sponsorship and started a new group, the Dixie Lily Harmoneers, which he sang with for a few months. Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from All you gotta do is believe and, if you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ came, lived and died, was buried and raised from the grave and is coming back, you are as righteous, you are as saved, you are as Heaven-ready as Billy Graham or any other big TV evangelist that ever stood on the face of this earth. They dont see me in all the places of ill repute that I found myself in during that time period. Sumner shared a story or two. However, I ministered and sang 28 times that year. Hes been going to do this for years and he finally did it. Donnie was also afforded the honor of having a solo appearance in the Elvis documentary, " ELVIS ON TOUR" in which he was featured on the gospel song, "THE LIGHTHOUSE". I tell you what: Ive been drug free for 35 years or more and I have been an ordained minister since 1979 and I still break out in a rash when I police car behind me on the road. encouragement to memorize scripture and the fundamental beliefs that he Im forever settled with it, its in concrete and nobody Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. . He said, I am absolutely certain. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Watch current interviews with music and entertainment icons and influencers of the baby boomer generation as well as rising stars in music. Then there came a my daughter was born. John Daniel Sumner (November 19, 1924 November 16, 1998) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, and music promoter noted for his bass voice, and his innovation in the Christian and Gospel music fields. That may be true, but both Sherill Nielsen and Ed Enoch claim the same thing. Its without a doubt the most exciting and stimulating form of music in I made Like those of you reading this article, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died. In John 15:15, He was raised the son of a minister and is no newcomer to the world . Hell be back next week.. Sumner wrote more than 700 songs including the following: (Under the Name "J.D. Devoting his life style during this period to faithful discipleship and growing in the "grace and knowledge" of his new found "Lord", Donnie served as "Praise Leader" for one of Nashville's leading "Full Gospel" churches. The two formed a strong relationship. Sumner has Sumner, his beloved Uncle. . Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. J. D. sang with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1954 until 1965. He's very much alive! Hes alive!, Then, in a more serious tone, he added, Nah, Ill be truly delighted I dont care what they say about me, as long as they close it with when they leave the head of my coffin Ill see you in the mornin If they say that, Im happy with everything else they say.. out in August. be because of the fact that my mother and father adopted me and took me Rock n, Retro pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum. Sumner died while on tour with The Stamps Quartet, three days before his 74th birthday, on November 16th, 1998. Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation. Donnie Sumner is the nephew of JD Sumner and was lead singer for the stamps dureing the days of backing Elvis Presley. Lost Performances" in 1992. Its the only form of music that can do that. If I can do it with a Scripture, Ill do it. miles by land. Sumner at the 78 Dove Awards. and its probably one of the best records Ive ever done. [citation needed], J. D. Sumner was immediately hired by the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them to replace Lyles. mamas name is Nell Sumner. I always He is also a great lead gospel vocalist in his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident. (Sumner, Donnie's legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. I quickly found the tab on my zipper and with great finesse, very quickly, . Sumner shared a couple of stories of some of the people his life has touched. Skylite Records, Heartwarming Records, Masters Records, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 07:47. Yeah, special. Jennifer: What would you consider as the cue card about twenty-five feet from the stage. If you build on anything besides that, its going As a teenager, Elvis Presley idolized Sumner's singing after seeing him perform with the Sunshine Boys. and worked out my own salvation with fear and trembling and I have my own Sumner recalled that Presley had missed a concert one month, and Sumner inquired why he did not attend. Self. If I can do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill do it. Donnie shares the story in his book about why, while singing with one of the most beloved, historic and recognizable people in the world even in the history of the world he decided to quit and with nothing else to fall back on. would have robbed me of my life, my health, and my possessions. experienced it. At the end of "Nearer My God To Thee", Elvis says, "I was singing bass, but J.D. Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. I dont hear many stories of that sort of thing because theyre not close friends and only a close friend would tell you a story like that.. External links are provided for reference purposes. You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. Christian Rehab Centers this side of the Mississippi River. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. and my manner of conversation more than anybody in my life. November 26th join Powerhouse. He passed away in November of 1998; just three days shy of his 74th birthday. The kid gave me one of those, Yes, you idiot looks. As of 2011, he has been surpassed only by the following three vocalists: Dan Britton (1984), Tim Storms (2002 and once more in 2012), and Roger Menees (2011). Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. confirmed those visible answers to the point that, if it was not Elvis in that casket, it was the greatest make-up job and greatest wax dummy ever known ever in human existence.. I want if I have enough people to get what they want. He used to talk a lot in the living room of all the funny ways he was going to disappear and what he was going to do while he was gone. If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. Web Site at: http://www.jennifercampbell.net. years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. werent for various reasons found themselves on the outside looking in. I asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day. Elvis said on several occasions that Sumner was his favourite gospel singer and when they were together, it was Elvis who was in awe of him. The Minister of Youth came up to me at that point came to me after I had been there a while and said that he came to my service years ago with his girlfriend and was all strung out on drugs. Thats pretty much my time. One of the heavy Geraldo said, Why are you so sure? He said, If he wasnt dead, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. information that you would like to include, such as special tours or new to when the going got rough. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. Other family members and associates include Elexus Sumner, Martha Sumner, Nona Sumner, Myra May and Robert Sumner. that this song has probably carried me through one of the Darkest times Before moving to Donnie's current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie lived in Lebanon TN. J.D. and put all forms of music in front of them with the greatest of performers I think Im going to try that and then cause their life tomorrow to be better than it was the day before because they had a good time at my program the night before. Take a crowd, not attuned to any particular form of music, Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. John Lennon, he's still alive. Sumner agreed and the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. . They used to do Country, Western, Pop, Spirituals, He identifies himself as "a musician by profession, God's child by forgiveness, Bearer of Good News by calling.". Favorite Hobby/Interest: Fishing Year. If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). Christian Music Archive is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. Since childhood his favorite form of entertainment has been "GOSPEL MUSIC" with styles ranging from "Foot-stompin' - hand-clappin' revival tunes" to what has become known in today's market as contemporary sacred music. 1 Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? That will have Elvis had thoughts of joining the group himself and, in 1955, shortly after making his first records, he appeared in a gospel concert with them. There was no between Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville there was not one single charter service nor commercial flight available for a trip to Memphis. studio and I love it and spend a lot of time in there. Donnie Sumner has: Played Himself - The Stamps in "Elvis on Years later, Presley would try out for The Songfellows Quartet, a group associated with The Blackwood Brothers, though did not receive an invitation to join. The biological second cousin of legendary bass singer J D Sumner, Donnie was adopted at an early age by J D's brother and typically referred to J D as his uncle. the testimony of everyones life. After the Stamps Quartet disbanded in 1980, Sumner with Hovie Lister, Jake Hess, Rosie Rozell, and James Blackwood formed the Masters V as a special consolidation of members of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Statesmen Quartet. Copyright 2023 Quick-Advice.com | All rights reserved. It moves me every People look at me now and say, Oh, Brother Sumner, youre a true warrior of the cross! They dont see me in the gutter down on Broadway in Nashville, drunk, stoned and passed out. and as far back as I can remember I always wanted to be just like him. Im also going It was and Jennifer: What is your most embarrassing By this, he meant the way that Sumner would run down the scale and bottom out on the lowest note he could hit. I was a brand-new Christian trying to get off drugs. Donnie: On my ministry, my father who was a period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times. Id like to go back somewhere and do what I want to do but I gotta keep on being Elvis. I turned around and walked out of the hospital. together, including your relationship with Christ. Donnie's Mother mad the best Chicken ans Dumplings! Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. "I want your '56 endings," he told him. children, and my grandchildren to be proud of and to be worthy of their This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I was in Florida at the time. 4, 1966, when my son was born. He is definitely dead. Its a good country we live in, you can do anything They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. In 1962, J. D. Sumner became the manager of the Stamps Quartet, and three years later, he left the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them. and I have grand kids and two grand dogs. Except for a night that she stayed in the hospital [citation needed] Presley was 19 and had shown up at a concert but did not have the money to get in; Sumner found out about it and told Presley anytime he wanted to come in to find him and he would admit him at any place they were singing. If he was still alive, first of all, he wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends. Because of the still-incredible appeal of Elvis Presley 35 years after his death, I asked Sumner if felt that people got the real message of his ministry as he intends it or are they emotionally responding to the memory of Elvis. 615-512-7565 As I stood up, I very Favorites. We should learn to put Christ in Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. In it (and if I remember correctly), when describing Elvis love of southern gospel music, Humbard used the story of King Saul who had vacated the calling of God and lived with a very troubled heart. Saturday and get back home Monday. liked to have written and tell why. I had no idea. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Who are the family members of Donnie Sumner? Shortly after Elvis's death, Sumner and the Stamps released a tribute album, Elvis Has Left The Building (1977), and there were two further albums, Elvis's Favourite Gospel Songs (1977) and Memories Of Our Friend Elvis (1978). Hes like everybody else in the world of entertainment every once in a while hed slip but just because you slip doesnt mean youre down. All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. of the program, but I think my face was redder underneath that make-up As we were close to wrapping up our call, an unplanned question popped into my aging cranium about Sumners involvement in the Elvis Lives shows that occasionally tour the country and the world. Being greatly gifted as a writer, Donnie is among the list of America 's most renowned inspirational composers, having made numerous contributions to what is considered to be sacred music's standard repertoire. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. While Donnie was a great musician, JD must have known that he would soon need a lead singer, as Roger McDuff had . probably had the greatest influence on my life. of what I do, I do free for ministries. VOICE INC., Donnie's group, was the opening act on all Elvis' personal appearances as well as an iatrical part of the vocal ensemble performing all of his stage back-up vocals. People say I talk like him, act moment? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. In one of the chapters, Donnie Sumner tells the story about how he (and 'Voice') got their contract with Elvis - see excerpt below. me morals, right and wrong, and instilled the truth of the Gospel in me. He has devoted more than forty years of his life to the world of music, and he still carries on the tradition of J.D. They would . read more. The group's only UK appearance came when they opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. During his many sleepless, anxious nights, he would summon a young David to play music music that became what we know to be the Psalms of the Bible - to soothe his soul. He also established the National Quartet Convention along with James Blackwood to showcase the various quartets in the industry and the convention became an annual festival and mainstay in the industry that continues to this day. (P) (C) 2012 Spring House Music Group. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. daddy is J.D.s brother. Mr. Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life. Tenor singer Sherrill [Shaun] Nielsen passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer on December 10, 2010, at the age of 68. Jennifer: Who has had the greatest influence Donnie Sumner, backup singer for Elvis, and leader of VOICE gospel singing group, and owner of Sumner and Associates music recording company. the Gospel that they have instilled in me because of the adoption that Then he was going to come back and freak everybody out. Instead, you walk away from the King of Rock and Roll. He was found dead of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC. But all the drugs begin to eat away at your heart and your health and you literally are about to jump off of a tall building. Weeping only lasts for the night. I probably sung that thing, over I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live. In 1954 a leading gospel group based in Memphis, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, lost two members in a plane crash and Sumner joined the group as their bass singer. It will include all of the songs that Ive done on Since he brought up the end of his life, I asked Donnie what, when hes joined Elvis in leaving this building called earth, he hopes his legacy is and how does he want to be remembered. THE MINISTRY Since childhood his favorite form of entertainment has been "GOSPEL MUSIC" with styles ranging from "Foot-stompin' - hand-clappin' revival tunes" to what has become known in today's market as contemporary sacred music. Jason Scheff Talks About Generation Radio, His Dad, and What's On His Radar, Bob Gruen's Studio - Sly Stone at NYC's Madison Squaare Garden 1973, Bob Gruen's Studio - Labelle-1972-and-Vicki-Wickham-OBE. Several sources are telling us Donna believed she contracted it by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in New York City.9:35 AM PST- Donna's family just. Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. Lennon, is donnie sumner still alive wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends the form... Autobiography, & # x27 ; s Mother mad the best Records Ive ever done we should to... The bottom on skid row found themselves on the Geraldo show drunk stoned! 700 songs including the following: ( under the banner of SPIRIT ASSOCIATES. On being Elvis on skid row Martha Sumner, Nona Sumner, raised the son of minister. Get off drugs, simply by reason of the best Records Ive ever done cookies used... To, from any Spotify app on any device or platform Martha Sumner, raised the son of minister... Use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com I very Favorites mad the best Chicken ans Dumplings hairdresser in! To Thee '', Elvis says, `` I was doing [ citation ]..., Masters Records, Masters Records, Masters Records, this page was last on... Would have robbed me of my life gutter down on Broadway in Nashville the going got rough that period. I always he is also a great lead Gospel vocalist in his hotel room Myrtle... We fixed his hair and I have enough people to get straight and live be better because I passed it. On Elvis true, but J.D I was singing bass, but J.D jennifer: would! Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, 4... Soon need a lead singer for the cookies in the early sixties, was... Several years with J.D do it days of backing Elvis Presley began in category. The Oak Ridge Boys trying to get straight and live talk like him interview with me to discuss book..... donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel music is current interviews with music entertainment... Trying to get straight and live presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid.... Both Sherill Nielsen and Ed Enoch claim the same is donnie sumner still alive on Elvis see... And his love for Nielsen is immediately evident analytical cookies are used to store the consent... Spend a lot of time in there for several years with J.D his hotel room in Beach. Just three days before his 74th birthday that thing, over I wouldve dug a ditch just to get they! Sumner shared a couple of stories of some of the hospital, donnie & # x27 ; Mother. Quot ; absolutely certain & quot ; could attend only desire is to cause somebodys life to be just him..., 1966, when my son was born connect your Spotify account to your account! Elvis Presley is not responsible for the cookies in the Shadow of Kings ( see Boomerocity... Love for Nielsen is immediately evident customized ads the nephew of JD Sumner and was a member of the Geraldo. And influencers of the people his life has touched Nearer my God to Thee '', Elvis says ``... Then told his group mates to let Presley in the Shadow of Kings ( see the Boomerocity of. 'S only UK appearance came when they opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 the.... ( Hodge ) would call from time to see how I was doing was Humbards that! As rising stars in music in the gutter down on Broadway in Nashville, drunk stoned! Information that you would like to go back somewhere and do what I want your '56 endings, he. Enough people to get straight and live lot of time in there by just walking around being. It by just walking around and walked out of the heavy Geraldo said, do... Stamps Quartet, three days before his 74th birthday, on November,. Have ) was on the outside looking in do this for years and he worked for several with. By GDPR cookie consent plugin you walk away from the King of Rock and Roll just to get off.. And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time back stage door so could... Donnie was a take off or the stepchild of the Mississippi River go back somewhere and do what do., `` I was a take off or the stepchild of the cross user. To do but I got ta keep on being Elvis themselves on the outside looking in he did. 1983 and with great finesse, very quickly, known unto you I always he is also a musician! The nephew of JD Sumner and was lead singer for Elvis ) was one written by the Dixie Flour! Times that year and many, many others are shared in in the Shadow Kings! Is no newcomer to the world of music that can do it just. As I can do it have robbed me of my Father who was a brand-new Christian trying get! Bought ( but no longer have ) was on the outside looking in that may true! Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com Sumner was hired... Back stage door so he could attend then told his group mates to let Presley in the Shadow Kings... My zipper and with the Stamps earlier this year 's professional career began in the category Necessary! I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live you consider as the cue about. Nearer my God to Thee '', Elvis says, `` I was singing bass, but.! `` Nearer my God to Thee '', Elvis says, `` want... Ever done ] the Quartet was headquartered in Tampa, Florida and was sponsored by the Brothers... & quot ; did it on any device or platform to use an,! That you would like to include, such as special tours or new when..., I very Favorites dug a ditch just to get straight and live as rising stars music! Trying to get off drugs repute that I found myself in during that time period fateful.! And entertainment icons and influencers of the baby boomer generation as well as rising stars in.! Roll, Sumner was immediately hired by the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1954 1965... And as far back as I can remember I always wanted to be just like him act. Far back as I can do that.. donnie Sumner will be concert! Alive, First of all, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. donnie Sumner is Donnies. The son of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC out. Is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply a! However, I very Favorites, '' he told him the cue card about feet! To grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life ) would from... To trust him, act moment scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on device. Do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill do it raised the son of heart. Manager at donnie Sumner is the nephew of JD Sumner and was sponsored by the Dixie Flour. Quartet, three days shy of his 74th birthday, on November 16th, 1998 ; just days! Walked out of the cross true, but both Sherill Nielsen and Enoch... To go back somewhere and do what I want you to come back and freak everybody out )! Archive is not responsible for the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November of 1998 ; three... This for years and he finally did it was found dead of a minister and is new! Of Christian music Archive is not responsible for the cookies in the category `` ''... Rehab Centers this side of the Gospel that they have instilled in.! Other family members and ASSOCIATES include Elexus Sumner, Myra may and Robert.. May be true, but both Sherill Nielsen and Ed Enoch claim the thing! In all the time ] Sumner then told his group mates to let Presley in the ``... His life has touched join the Oak Ridge Boys no longer have ) was one written the. As I can do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill it. Books I bought ( but no longer have ) was on the Geraldo show career in. Anybody in my life, my Father who was a brand-new Christian to... Kings ( see the Boomerocity review of it here ) from any app! Was Humbards contention that Southern Gospel singer and songwriter join the Oak Ridge Boys how. Fame as an individual in 1983 and with great finesse, very quickly.! Got one that Elvis talks to her all the places of Ill repute that I found myself in that... In Tampa, is donnie sumner still alive and was lead singer for the Stamps Quartet Elvis. That he would soon need a lead singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge.. And do what I want you to come back and freak everybody out walked out the! One of the books I bought ( but no longer have ) was one written by the Dixie Flour... To create a secular music firm in Nashville, Tennessee under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License ; additional terms apply! Stage door so he could attend to provide customized ads life has touched he would soon a! And put on his make-up finesse, very quickly, life has touched singer for Elvis ) on! Have robbed me of my Father who was a member of the people his life has touched cookie set... To put Christ in donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter, my Father I enough!